The bill establishes a Rural EMS Uncompensated Care Pool Payment Program, which is to be administered by the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. The program aims to provide financial support to eligible licensees that primarily offer ambulance services outside of metropolitan counties. Eligible licensees must apply for payments by March 31, 2025, and must meet specific criteria for their emergency medical service (EMS) responses to qualify for compensation. The bill outlines the definitions of key terms, the application process, and the criteria for eligible EMS responses, which include conditions such as the response being initiated by a public safety answering point and not receiving any payment from other sources.
Additionally, the bill includes a payment calculation method based on points awarded for eligible EMS responses, with a total of $3,000,000 appropriated from the general fund for the program in fiscal year 2025. The board will certify payment amounts for each eligible licensee and ensure that full payments are made by May 30, 2025. The legislation aims to support rural EMS providers facing uncompensated care challenges, thereby enhancing emergency medical services in less populated areas.